Product Description

This battle ready Irish hand and a half sword features a full tang, sharpened 5160 high carbon steel blade. The solid steel cross guard and pommel are both highly polished and the tang of the sword comes right through and is peened. The handle is wrapped in black leather, as is the included wood scabbard.

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Worth the wait, as long as you know it

Posted by Worba on 9th Mar 2015

I ordered this sword back in November 2014, and needless to say I was anxious about its arrival. I had heard that some swords take 3-6 months to forge, but here on Swords.net this did not SEEM to be the case, but should have been made known to me. It would be helpful of Swords.net to make future buyers aware that this Irish Hand-and-a-Half and other swords that are highly sought-after may be OUT OF STOCK when appropriate, especially since customer service does not always answer the phone or reply to e-mails/social media in a timely manner. Now, I understand that business takes time, but the customer should feel confident in his or her purchase. I also understand that though we live in an age where expected turnaround is immediate in our consumer-based economy, the sword is a tool that takes time and careful skill to both forge and wield.

All of that aside, the moment I received the Irish Hand-and-a-Half, (end of February 2015) I could immediately see why it is always back ordered. The initial look and feel of the sword, the heft, balance, and sharpness are all keen. As more of a slashing sword, it has a heavier blade than say, my Italian long sword which is more of a thruster with highly tapered point. Don’t get me wrong though; the Irish point will leave a good-sized hole, and all swords are good for thrusting, even the dull ones. (“Why a spoon, cousin? Because it’s dull, you twit! It’ll hurt more!”) The hilt overall gives the sword a look I am very fond of, with about a foot of leather grip for handling and leverage. The sword does not feel bulky or weighty when used correctly with two hands.

The scabbard leaves something to be desired. The blade doesn’t actually rest within the throat at all. If I were to turn this sword upside down in its scabbard, it would fall out without any resistance. I will have to look around for a DIY solution to this problem, although technically the sword will only be sheathed when not in use. My other swords fit nicely into their scabbards with no rattling or play from side to side. On the outside, the scabbard looks good and clean otherwise.

Expect to wait a true medieval minute if you order this sword from the smithy.